Watson opts to join Latics

26 January 2009 12:29

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Wigan Athletic's hectic January has continued after Steve Bruce beat Middlesbrough to the signing of Crystal Palace's highly-rated midfielder Ben Watson.
The Latics have already sold Kevin Kilbane, Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey this month as well as allowing Marlon King to join Boro on loan while Mido has agreed to move in the opposite direction.
Twenty-three-year-old Watson has penned a three-and-a-half-year contract at the JJB Stadium and could make his debut in Wednesday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
"We've been watching Ben for some time," Bruce told the club's official website.
"We believe he has the maturity to step back to the highest level and make an impression. He's a midfielder who scores goals. He's got quick feet, plenty of power and is a terrific prospect.
"I wanted to move quickly to start filling the gap left by Wilson Palacios and Ben is the start of that process.
"It speaks volumes about the progress of the club that we can compete with established Premier League clubs for players and I'm delighted that Ben has agreed to join us.
"I think our supporters will take to him quickly because he's a real 100 per center."